由 caicai8478 The cost structure of dual customs clearance services usually includes the following core parts, and you need to be wary of various hidden costs:
I. Analysis of the cost structure
Basic service fee
The logistics company handles export and import customs clearance procedures with a fixed fee, usually charged according to the value of the ticket or goods. For example, the basic customs clearance fee of a logistics company in Shenzhen includes document review (200 yuan/ticket), HS code classification (150 yuan/item) and system entry fee (80 yuan), with a minimum of 500 yuan per ticket. Special commodities such as cosmetics require an additional inspection and quarantine fee of 300-800 yuan/batch.
Document processing fee
Including the preparation and submission fees of documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc., usually calculated by ticket, about 100-500 US dollars/ticket. The registration fee for the EU EORI number is about €120, and the translation fee for product traceability documents required by German customs is about €50/page. These fees may not be included in the basic service.
Tariffs and taxes
Tariffs: calculated based on the value of goods, HS code and destination country policy. For example, the United States will implement a “reciprocal tariff” policy in 2025, with a comprehensive tax rate of 54% for some Chinese goods, and a 25% tariff on EU cars and parts.
Value-added tax (VAT): The EU standard rate is 19%-27%, about 6%-10% in the United States, and 18% in India.
Consumption tax: For specific goods such as tobacco, alcohol, and cosmetics, such as the EU imposes a 15%-25% consumption tax on luxury goods.
Transportation costs
International transportation costs: Sea freight is charged by container type (about US$1,000-3,000 for 20GP), air freight is charged by kilogram (several US dollars to more than ten US dollars per kilogram), and land transportation is charged by ton or cubic meter (hundreds to thousands of yuan per ton).
Surcharges: fuel surcharge (5%-20% of the basic freight), currency depreciation surcharge (3%-10%), peak season surcharge (hundreds of dollars per container).
Insurance costs
Usually, insurance is purchased at 110% of the CIF price, with a rate of 0.5%-1%. For example, for goods with a value of 1,000 yuan, the insurance premium is about 5-10 yuan. High-risk goods (such as batteries) need to purchase war insurance or strike insurance additionally.
Port and storage costs
Port miscellaneous fees: Terminal handling charges (THC) are about US$100-200 for a 20-foot container and US$200-400 for a 40-foot container; port facility security fees range from a few dollars to tens of dollars per container.
Storage fees: Overdue detention is calculated by volume or number of days, such as US$0.1-0.5 per cubic meter per day, or a few dollars per ton per day.
- Hidden cost warning
Policy changes in destination countries
Tariff adjustments: The EU will cancel the tax-free policy for goods below 150 euros from 2025, and impose a handling fee of 1-3 euros on each package, resulting in a 20%-30% increase in costs. Vietnam has cancelled the tax exemption for small parcels, and all imported goods must be declared at the current tax rate.
Special taxes and fees: The EU carbon tariff (CBAM) taxes air cargo 5%-8% higher than sea freight, and transportation carbon emission data must be reported.
Costs derived from customs clearance process
Inspection fees: Customs inspections may incur site fees and equipment usage fees, about US$100-1,000 each time, and fines must be paid if false declarations are found.
Delayed reporting fees: Incomplete documents or delayed declarations may result in delayed payment fees (calculated at 0.05% of the tariff amount per day).
Emergency processing fees: Document expediting fees are about 300 yuan/ticket, inspection cooperation fees are 800 yuan/time, and overdue detention fees are 200 yuan/container per day.
Commodity classification and declaration risks
HS code errors: Differences in tax rates may lead to increased tariff costs. For example, electronic products mistakenly classified as low-tax categories may lead to additional taxes or fines.
Deviation in declared value: Over- or under-declared value may trigger customs review, requiring reassessment of duty-paid price, delaying customs clearance and incurring additional costs.
Special commodity handling fees
Inspection and quarantine fees: Food, animal and plant products are subject to inspection fees (0.3%-0.5% of the value or RMB 150-400 per ticket) and fumigation fees (RMB 180 for a 20-foot container and RMB 300 for a 40-foot container).
EPR compliance costs: The registration fee for the EU EPR registration number is approximately 2,000-3,000 euros, and the annual contribution fee is calculated based on the type of goods. Overdue fees may incur late payment fees.
Impact of exchange rate fluctuations
Tariffs and taxes are calculated in local currency, and exchange rate fluctuations may lead to increased costs. For example, a 0.38% depreciation of the RMB against the US dollar in 2025 can only cover about 6%-10% of tariff costs. - Risk avoidance suggestions
Contract terms review
Clearly define the scope of services, fee details (such as whether tariffs, VAT, inspection fees are included), exchange rate lock-in clauses and liability for breach of contract. For example, the contract should stipulate that “if the actual tariff is higher than the estimate, it is necessary to confirm the payment in writing in advance”.
Cargo information accuracy
Provide detailed cargo description, HS code, and proof of value to avoid additional costs due to incorrect classification or false declaration. It is recommended to entrust a professional customs broker to review the documents.
Destination policy research
Pay attention to the latest policies of the target country, such as the EU carbon tariff and the cancellation of Vietnam’s tax-free policy, and adjust the logistics plan in advance. Real-time information can be obtained through the customs official website or industry associations.
Insurance coverage comprehensiveness
Choose an insurance plan that includes “all risks” and clarify the deductible (usually 10% of the loss amount or a fixed amount). It is recommended to separately insure high-value goods with war insurance or strike insurance.
Choose a compliant logistics service provider
Give priority to logistics companies with customs clearance qualifications and transparent quotations to avoid “low price traps”. For example, when comparing quotations from multiple companies, it is necessary to confirm whether fuel surcharges, port congestion fees, etc. are included.
By systematically evaluating the cost structure and avoiding risks in advance, the cost of double customs clearance can be effectively controlled to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods.